EcoFlow DELTA 1300 (Plug-N-Play)

NinjaDeathMonk · Oct 27, 2019

I pledged for a 1300 one just before the Kickstarter ended. I was already a forum member and didn't think until now to see if there was a thread about it.

What convinced me was the price, battery lifetime warranty, the UPS feature, non-proprietary sockets, and that it's not their first device. I think it's a bummer that the UPS feature was an afterthought, because if it's plugged into the wall when the power is down, it could still provide grounding to the connected devices. Yet, there is no ground on the AC sockets.

As for the batteries, they are 18650s but Ecoflow won't specify the cells, arrangement or manufacturer because of an NDA, but they "use a global tier-one supplier ". They do show a diagram of the battery however. I believe it's the pack for the 1000 model made of 3.6Ah cells and arranged in a 10S-8P configuration: 36V x 30.4Ah = ‭1094.4Wh‬. If you add two extra parallel rows at 10S-10P, then you get the 1300 model: 36V x 36Ah = ‭‭1296‬‬Wh. So the difference between the two models may be more like 200Wh instead of 300Wh. But this is all just a guess.

MrWegas · Oct 29, 2019

If I plug my Class C 30amp cord into Delta using 30 amp to 110v adapter is that a problem. It looked good to me when I saw Kodiak has 30amp rv plug.

NinjaDeathMonk · Oct 29, 2019

MrWegas said:
If I plug my Class C 30amp cord into Delta using 30 amp to 110v adapter is that a problem. It looked good to me when I saw Kodiak has 30amp rv plug.

The max output is 1800W at 120V, which would make it 15 amps. I suppose you could use the adapter but don't expect 30 amps.

mxp · Oct 30, 2019

I am a backer as well.
I am still concerned that there is no grounding on AC outlets.

However, I noticed the International edition (4 220V AC outlet) have plugs that look like there is grounding on AC. Do you know??

I suspect, that grounding is a key requirement for say, an electric vehicle EVSE (supplied charger) to operate.
I have a 2011 Nissan Leaf, and the supplied 100V charger will unlikely work, if not plugged into an outlet with grounding!
Does anyone else know about this in-depth?

The EcoFlow marketing video can be quite misleading... I think, when they show the Tesla being charged, it wasn't clear if it was using a special "EcoFlow" provided cable?

NinjaDeathMonk said:
I pledged for a 1300 one just before the Kickstarter ended. I was already a forum member and didn't think until now to see if there was a thread about it. What convinced me was the price, battery lifetime warranty, the UPS feature, non-proprietary sockets, and that it's not their first device. I think it's a bummer that the UPS feature was an afterthought, because if it's plugged into the wall when the power is down, it could still provide grounding to the connected devices. Yet, there is no ground on the AC sockets.

As for the batteries, they are 18650s but Ecoflow won't specify the cells, arrangement or manufacturer because of an NDA, but they "use a global tier-one supplier ". They do show a diagram of the battery however. I believe it's the pack for the 1000 model made of 3.6Ah cells and arranged in a 10S-8P configuration: 36V x 30.4Ah = ‭1094.4Wh‬. If you add two extra parallel rows at 10S-10P, then you get the 1300 model: 36V x 36Ah = ‭‭1296‬‬Wh. So the difference between the two models may be more like 200Wh instead of 300Wh. But this is all just a guess.

pnwsun · Oct 30, 2019

Glad to hear some more backers posting thoughts. I'm looking forward to December so I can play around with my DELTA. In regards to the grounded AC outlets. This image was taken directly from EcoFlow's video of the DELTA charging up the Tesla model 3:

It looks to me like there is a hole for the grounding lug of the extension cord to sit in. Now obviously there is no actual connection to a ground rod like there is in normal house wiring, but the cords should work.

I wanted to attach the full video in mp4 format but the forum won't let me, check it out on their campaign page though. I hope to own a Tesla one day, been dreaming about it for years. This could buy someone with an EV a few miles at least in an emergency.

mxp · Oct 31, 2019

Thank you for sharing that picture.
I am somewhat relieved that there is a possibility the EVSE charger that came with my Nissan Leaf could work.

In their marketing videos, they've used the Tesla as an example, but I always assumed, any manufacturer supplied 110V charger should just work. I hope I am right about that...

pnwsun said:
Glad to hear some more backers posting thoughts. I'm looking forward to December so I can play around with my DELTA. In regards to the grounded AC outlets. This image was taken directly from EcoFlow's video of the DELTA charging up the Tesla model 3:

View attachment 1588

It looks to me like there is a hole for the grounding lug of the extension cord to sit in. Now obviously there is no actual connection to a ground rod like there is in normal house wiring, but the cords should work.

I wanted to attach the full video in mp4 format but the forum won't let me, check it out on their campaign page though. I hope to own a Tesla one day, been dreaming about it for years. This could buy someone with an EV a few miles at least in an emergency.

MrWegas · Oct 31, 2019

NinjaDeathMonk said:
The max output is 1800W at 120V, which would make it 15 amps. I suppose you could use the adapter but don't expect 30 amps.

How many amps yopu get from Delta if ypu p[lug several things at opnce like TV, computer, monitor, phone charger, and more...

NinjaDeathMonk · Nov 1, 2019

MrWegas said:
How many amps yopu get from Delta if ypu p[lug several things at opnce like TV, computer, monitor, phone charger, and more...

It can do 1800W continuous (15 amps) but it can handle a surge of 3300W (27.5 amps).

On another note, my pledge got canceled.

mxp · Nov 2, 2019

Ouch! Sorry to hear that your EcoFlow pledge was cancelled.
Not sure whereabouts you're located, but it must be impossible to ship large batteries to your location....

NinjaDeathMonk said:
It can do 1800W continuous (15 amps) but it can handle a surge of 3300W (27.5 amps).

On another note, my pledge got canceled.
View attachment 1626

mxp · Nov 2, 2019

Hi pnwsun,
Are you able to help me check out this brand of panel/specs and see if 2 of these connected in series would not cause problems charging the EcoFlow Delta 1300?

SunEdison 335 Watt SILVANTIS F-SERIES Mono 72 Cell 35mm Frame

Solar Panel 335 Watt

www.mlsolar.com

Thanks!

pnwsun said:
DELTA Solar Panel Sizing

Most PV inverters and charge controllers that I'm aware of do not have any Over-Voltage protection on the PV input. Meaning if you put too much voltage in, you will fry your unit. Amps are easy to use an inline breaker or fuse typically. Something else to be aware of in regards to PV module operation: A Clear Sunny COLD day will be the best production and can spike the PV voltage. For this reason PV system designers typically take the VOC of the series string and then multiple by 1.25 for a safety factor for those few Sunny Cold days that pop up.

For me personally, I'm not usually a fan of 'flexible' and 'foldable' PV modules due to their lack of long term reliability. I like reputable PV manufacturers that offer a standard industry warranty on a framed, glass enclosed, durable PV module. I also like to support North American PV manufacture when possible (it can be difficult). EcoFlow wants to sell you PV modules with the unit however I opted not to for this reason.

PV module options that should work well:

Heliene 180W 36 cell Mono
Short Circuit Current (ISC) : 9.74A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) : 23.79V
Standard Warranty - 10 Year workmanship 25 year linear power output to 80%
Made in North America

(2) of these in series would be 360W input. 23.79 VOC * 2 = 47.58V * 1.25 (safety) = 59.48V

Trina Tallmax Plus 380W 72 cell Mono
Short Circuit Current (ISC) : 9.94A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) : 48.8V
Standard Warranty - 10 Year workmanship 25 year linear power output to 80%

48.8 VOC * 1.25 (safety) = 61V

Only problem: I have not been able to find a solar distributor who carries either of these yet.

Rich Solar 190W 36 cell Mono
Short Circuit Current (ISC) : 9.86A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) : 24.3V
Warranty: 5 Year workmanship 25 year power output to 80%

(2) of these in series would be 380W input. 24.3 VOC * 2 = 48.6V * 1.25 (safety) = 60.75V

My one hesitation is that 5 year material warranty, the PV industry standard is a 10 year material warranty. Some high quality panels even have a 25 year material warranty to match the power output warranty (Panasonic HIT+ series are some of my favorite).

That said, I know Will has done some testing on various 12V nominal PV modules and he did like the Rich Solar. That could be the way to go for the Delta.

Any other good PV module choices you guys can come up with?

pnwsun · Nov 5, 2019

mxp -

Two of them would be too much voltage, max input is 65V. One would work just fine though.

SunEdison 335W 72 cell Mono
Short Circuit Current (ISC) : 9.29A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) : 46.4V

46.4 VOC * 1.25 (safety) = 58V

mxp · Nov 5, 2019

Hi pnwsun,
Thanks for your analysis.

Recently, a friend of mine also suggested purchasing a used solar panel.
Assuming there are known methods to test/verify the panel's operational condition, do you think it's a reasonable path to take?

Rgds,
mxp

pnwsun said:
mxp -

Two of them would be too much voltage, max input is 65V. One would work just fine though.

SunEdison 335W 72 cell Mono
Short Circuit Current (ISC) : 9.29A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) : 46.4V

46.4 VOC * 1.25 (safety) = 58V

NinjaDeathMonk · Nov 6, 2019

mxp said:
Hi pnwsun,
Thanks for your analysis.

Recently, a friend of mine also suggested purchasing a used solar panel.
Assuming there are known methods to test/verify the panel's operational condition, do you think it's a reasonable path to take?

Rgds,
mxp

Sure. Several members here have purchased used panels.

mxp · Dec 1, 2019

Hello pnwsun,
I think I am likely going with these panels: 160W Renogy Mono panels
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MZKY9H5

(2) of the Renogy 160W modules in series: 22.9 VOC * 2 = 45.8V * 1.25 (safety) = 57.25V

Pls let me know what you think about Renogy solar panels...

pnwsun said:
mxp - Absolutely, happy to help. I think the (2) Rich Solar 190 watt modules in series is probably the best option. As I mentioned, I don't even know where I can buy those other 2 options right now.

Connecting panels in series on the higher end of the Voltage limit is the best way to do it, more efficient and you save on wiring compared to parallel. I calculated a generous safety factor (1.25 is the industry standard) for the modules. The DELTA has a max input of 65 V.

(2) of the Rich Solar 190W modules in series: 24.3 VOC * 2 = 48.6V * 1.25 (safety) = 60.75V still well under the 65 V.

I would have no hesitation with this configuration at any temperature.

pnwsun · Dec 16, 2019

I think Renogy would likely be a fine choice. They are probably on the same quality level as Rich Solar. As you show in the above calculation the (2) 160s in series would be well below the 65V input limit. Personally between the two I would choose the (2) Rich Solar 190s just for more power.

Buying a used PV module could also be a good choice if you get a really good deal. I would caution you on older models as tech has improved in regards to bypass diodes and the robustness of internal connections (longer life) and you would definitely need to test it for power output as it's possible the module has degraded significantly sometimes due to hairline fractures in the cells.

In regards to the longer warranty, high build quality options that are utilized in large quantity installations across the globe; I have more trust that they will last for a very long time. Here are 2 options of 72 cell modules that you can buy right now. The advantage of 1 large module (compared to 2 smaller ones) is lower wiring cost and complexity and less racking depending on how you plan to mount them or orient them to the optimal sun angle. Disadvantage of course is portability. Trina is one the the largest PV module manufacturers in the world, they are a Chinese company. Mission Solar is a good option if you are looking for American manufactured.

Trina 380W 72 cell Mono
Short Circuit Current (ISC) : 9.94A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) : 48.8V

48.8 VOC * 1.25 (safety) = 61V

https://a1solarstore.com/trina-380w-pv-module-ts4-connector-pv-wire-tsm-380-de14a-ll.html

Mission Solar 375W 72 cell Mono
Short Circuit Current (ISC) : 9.826A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) : 48.16V

48.16 VOC * 1.25 (safety) = 60.2V

https://a1solarstore.com/mission-solar-375w-solar-panel.html

If anyone else has PV module ideas for the EcoFlow DELTA, please continue to post them.

Kevin.E · Dec 27, 2019

Hello Will
I just watched your YouTube review thank you It was very informative.

Can you test a battery connected to the solar input?
- will the delta regulate the current?
- ie. 24v battery get limited to 240w input?

Deleted member 783 · Dec 27, 2019

@pnwsun , what is your affiliation with EcoFlow?

pnwsun · Dec 27, 2019

I have Zero affiliation with EcoFlow. I'm just a guy interested in Solar PV, batteries and related tech. I thought the DELTA looked like a great unit compared to others out there so I bought one on the earlybird kickstarter and wanted to start some discussion with this thread.

Will -
Thanks for the thorough review of the unit, I knew your look and tests would be much more complete than the 'others'. I'm looking forward to see what else you come up with over the next couple months. I intend to use it for camping, power outages, and emergencies. It sounds like it fits the bill perfectly for that and I'm more excited to receive my unit now. I never expected it to compare with a standalone LiFePO4 system (such as Battle Born) with high quality components, that is the direction I would go if designing a system for stationary everyday use at an off-grid cabin or house. For the price though, the DELTA looks amazing.

For those of you who have not seen Will's review of the DELTA, here it is:

Deleted member 783 · Dec 27, 2019

I give up.

Curb71 · Jan 11, 2020

Surprised this thread hasn't got a bump since I and quite a few others have received their Delta(s). Somehow, NOBODY until today, has noticed that the AC outlets on the US versions are backwards. Even the pictures of the prototypes from Kickstarter and the owner's manual show the same. Usually the larger prong is on the left however it's the opposite on the delta.

I guess only items that have a polarized ground plug actually matter. I checked a bunch of things at home and nothing has a polarized plug that I've found. Another member mentioned his pressure washer and a couple power tools did. So those cannot be plugged into the Delta because the larger prong slot is on the wrong side. He recommended using This adapter but it's unclear if this poses a safety risk. No one seems to know if the outlets are actually wired incorrectly or if just the faceplate is backwards.

I'm betting my money there's a lot more knowledgeable people over here than on Facebook. Ecoflow still hasn't chimed in yet. Wondering how this is going to play out.

Maybe it's a non-issue as polarized plugs are rare and the adapter is an easy solution? Maybe the unit is wired incorrectly and will need to be recalled?
What do you guys think?

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